Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

E-mail Print PDF

Nutcracker in a Nutshell

By Angela Ash

nutcracker

"Nutcracker in a Nutshell" is a shorter, extremely child friendly adaptation of the Nutcracker ballet. "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" is an annual tradition with many families in the Louisville area, and it is easy to see why!  This show is pure, unadulterated, holiday magic!

In keeping with the plot of the tale, the dancers of MAGIC (Making Art Grow In Children), fight the Mouse King, frolic in a snowy wonderland, and dance their way to the Kingdom of Sweets. 

While watching these energetic, talented performers, it is easy to forget that they are not much older dancers!  They bring to the stage something that is unique and fresh, while the audience emits plenty of sighs and exclamations of glee at the radiance of the entire group. 

The principal dancers in this year's "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" are Jenny Hackwell as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who has been dancing since the age of three.  Joe Bentley, who has danced in Japan in "Sleeping Beauty", takes on the role of the Nutcracker, and Caroline Shackleton, a founding member of MAGIC, is Clara.

The costumes and set designs are creative and visually appealing.  And of course, the beautiful Louisville Palace is a stunning backdrop, making it the perfect venue for this inspiring performance.

Kendyl Rae, our junior journalist, is so absorbed in the story of the Nutracker this year, and this is fueled primarily from her visit to "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" last season.  It is
wonderful to see when a spark is lit in a child, especially after such a professional, immaculate display, performed by other children.  It conveys a fantastic, relatable story!

Be sure to put "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" on your "Holiday Must Do List"!